Angels in Disguise (20 page)

Hawkman left the house and climbed into his 4X4. He hadn't told Jennifer his morbid thoughts about the Carlotta case; they didn't seem appropriate at this time.

Hank Withers lived near the foothills on the outskirts of Medford where a golf course flanked the complex of homes. Hawkman located the address and drove up the curved road to the front of the house. He sat for a moment and studied the structure. Quite a huge place for a man alone. The grounds were neatly sculptured with a low cut hedge along the outer boundary of the property instead of a fence. He liked the effect.

He knew Hank wouldn't be home, but ambled toward the entry in case any neighbors were observing. When he reached the door, he noted the small blinking light near the bell button indicating an alarm system. The double paned glass gave him a view of the hallway leading into what appeared to be a large living room. He walked across the concrete porch skirting the front and gazed around the edge. A dogleg of the driveway extended to the rear, indicating the garage set at the back of the house. He also liked this arrangement. Concrete steps led off toward a narrow sidewalk. Hawkman followed it around the side and ended up at the front of the closed garage.

He stood for a moment with his thumbs hooked in his back jeans pockets and observed the back yard. The shrubbery continued completely around the property. Grass covered the ground, but no flower beds graced the enclosure. Very easy care and neat appearing. Drapes covered the windows, preventing him from peeking inside. He moseyed around to the front where a security vehicle had pulled up beside his 4X4. A uniformed guard climbed out and proceeded to walk around the SUV. He looked up when Hawkman made his appearance.

"You have business here, sir?"

"Hoping to catch Hank, but guess he's already at work. Nice place.” Hawkman put his booted foot on the running board. “You guys keep a check on these homes?"

"Yes. Part of their fees when they build up here. We make notes on strange vehicles seen in the area. I'd never seen yours before, so thought I'd check it out."

"No problem. Got nothin’ to hide.” He swung into the driver's seat. “Guess I'll go into town and see Hank at the shop."

He turned over the engine and pulled out onto the road. The security truck followed.

Sticking a toothpick into his mouth, Hawkman could see this place didn't have an easy access and he didn't savor the idea of being caught by security patrolling the area. He might have to think about another way of seeing the inside of the house.

He drove to his office and called Delia. “How's Tiffany taking not going to school?"

She laughed. “She thinks it's the greatest thing in the world to play with Princess and watch television until I make her put the cat down and turn off the boob tube to do her homework. Paul made arrangements with the teachers to pick up her assignments everyday."

"Anything unusual to report?"

"No. I've kept my eyes and ears open. Haven't noticed a thing out of the ordinary. How about you? Any more messages?"

"No. We'll keep a vigilance for another week and then if nothing happens, I think we can let Tiffany go back to school. I'll still want you to keep a close eye on her. We can't let down our guard."

"Don't worry. I might even go with her to class."

"Thanks, Delia, I'll keep in touch."

Hawkman hung up and opened the Carlotta file. He'd gone through the sheets a million times, but read through them again, then leaned back, rested his booted feet on top of the desk and thumped the pencil eraser on his chin. After several minutes, a thought formed in his mind. He dropped his feet to the floor and scribbled some notes on the legal pad. Checking the time, he left the office and drove by Tulip's apartment. Her car still sat in front. He parked around the corner.

After several minutes, the waitress dashed out of the house and stopped at the side of the car. While she groped inside her purse, it slipped from her hands and fell to the ground. She yanked it out of the dirt, dusted it off, then rubbed it against her uniform. Hawkman put his binoculars to his eyes, and stiffened at what he observed. Slowly moving the glasses from his face, he watched Tulip jump into the car, back out and speed away. He placed the glasses on the seat and started the 4X4.

He drove out of the complex and headed downtown. He rounded the corner and spotted Tulip parking in a spot a half block from Mom's Cafe. She hurried up the street, her gaze fixed on the sidewalk. Hawkman reached the front door and opened it just as she put her hand out. “Good evening, Tulip."

She glanced up in surprise. “Oh, my, Mr. Casey, I didn't even see you. I'm running so late. Please excuse me, I don't have time to visit. I'll see you inside."

Hawkman took a close look at the purse dangling from her hand and grimaced.

Hawkman followed Tulip into the restaurant and took a booth. He picked up the menu from the end of the table and watched her scurry toward the back. She immediately returned, tying an apron around her middle. A couple of people were already seated and she waited on them before finally coming to Hawkman's table.

She took a deep breath before speaking. “Please forgive my bad manners. It's not like me to run so late and I feel terrible."

He smiled. “No problem. I couldn't help but notice the Gucci purse you were carrying. How in the world could you afford it?"

"Oh, I didn't buy it. Yesterday was my birthday and I got it as a gift."

Hawkman raised his brows. “Happy belated birthday. My, you must have a suitor who cares a lot about you."

She lowered her head. “My dad gave it to me and I scolded him for spending so much. But he said he got it at a real bargain.” Shifting from foot to foot, she poised her pen over the pad. “I better take your order."

He gave her his choice and folded the menu. “I'd be interested to know where he found such a bargain. I'd like to get Jennifer one, but they're too expensive for my pocket."

"If I find out where he bought it, I'll let you know.” She then hustled off to turn the order into the kitchen.

Hawkman ate, paid the bill and left. On his way home, he thought about the purse. He couldn't imagine a place in Medford carrying such expensive items. Jennifer might know. He'd even checked the internet for Gucci items after Tiffany had told him about her mother's missing purse. He'd found them at several spots with different price tags. Did Hank know how to order over the net? Would he indulge such extravagance on his daughter, who definitely didn't seem the type? The questions plagued him. He hated to keep reverting back to Tiffany's description of her mother's. But it fit to a tee.

When he reached the house, he went inside to find Jennifer standing at the sliding glass door, staring out across Copco Lake. “Hon, you okay?"

She let out a sigh. “We've got to call Sam and tell him about my situation. I've thought about it all day, and it wouldn't be fair to keep him in the dark. I'd definitely want to know if the situation were reversed."

"I agree. But you had to make the decision."

She stepped away from the slider and Hawkman noticed her eyes were filled with tears. He took her in his arms. “Are you ready to call him tonight?"

"Yes, I think so."

He felt his heart tighten as she pulled away. Before she picked up the phone, she turned to him. “Why don't you get on the extension in the bedroom."

Hurrying, he sat on the edge of the bed and waited until she called out the phone was ringing. He picked up the receiver and placed it to his ear about the time he heard Sam's familiar voice.

"Hi, Sam. This is Jennifer."

"Hey, what's going on at Copco Lake?"

"Not much. Hawkman's working on a case."

"You caught any good trout lately?"

"No, nothing of any size."

Sam's voice softened. “Is everything okay?"

"Not really. I thought I better let you know...” Jennifer's voice cracked. “I've got lymphoma cancer."

Hawkman found himself suddenly standing.

"Good Lord.” Then silence on Sam's end. “I better come home."

"No,” Jennifer said, her voice quivering. “I'm going to be all right. I start the chemotherapy Monday. The doctors have assured me they can knock it into remission."

"I want to see you."

"I know. But there's nothing you can do and Hawkman is taking really good care of me. Believe me, I look the same. However, I'll lose my hair, so I'll probably be bald within the month."

"Hawkman, are you on?"

"Yes, son, I'm here."

"How's she doing?"

"Real well, probably better than me."

"Should I come home?"

"Do whatever Jennifer wants. She doesn't need to be upset."

"Will you keep me informed?"

"Yes."

Jennifer regained her composure and proceeded to tell him about the kidney and what the doctors planned on doing. She promised to keep him updated on each event. Satisfied with the decision about Sam not coming home, they finally said their goodbyes.

Hawkman came out of the bedroom as Jennifer reached for a tissue.

"That was the hardest phone call I've ever made. I thought I'd be stronger, but the tears just ran. Do you think he knew I was crying?"

He pulled her close in a hug. “Do you really think it matters?"

She peered up at him. “Probably not. Have you told anyone yet?"

"No, but Williams thinks we're getting a divorce."

Jennifer laughed. “Really?"

"He's asked several times what's my problem. I guess I carry my feelings on my sleeve."

"Now that Sam knows, tell him. It will do you both good."

"When the time is right."

She rolled her eyes. “Men. At least I feel a burden has been lifted off my shoulders with Sam knowing. I don't think it will bother me to inform others now.” Reaching across the counter, she changed the subject by picking up a wig catalog. She flipped it open to a turned down page and pointed to a picture. “What do you think of this one?"

Hawkman took the book from her hand and studied the illustration. “It looks like your own hair. Don't you want to get something exotic and different? Maybe be blond for awhile?"

She cocked her head. “I thought about it, but figured if I have six treatments, we're talking close to a year I'll be bald. I'd probably want to look as much like myself as possible. Blond might be fun for a little while, but I'm not sure I'd be satisfied with it after a long period of time."

He handed her the catalog. “Whatever makes you the happiest."

She closed the book and rubbed his arm. “You're very understanding, you know? I've monopolized most of the evening so far and you've been very patient. Tell me what's been going on with the Carlotta case."

"I'll make us a drink and we'll sit in the living room."

"Sounds good."

Once settled, Jennifer leaned forward in her chair. “Shoot."

"I observed something today that bothers me."

Her eyes widened. “Oh, what?"

"Remember when I told you I had Tiffany go through her mother's room and tell me things she thought were missing?"

"Yes."

"She mentioned a black Gucci purse her mother had purchased. She was with her and said it cost a bundle. I researched the Gucci line and they've very expensive. Is there a place here in Medford that sells fancy stuff?"

Jennifer nodded. “Yes, there's a small exclusive store that carries exquisite and costly women's items. I've only been in it once and almost choked at the prices."

"What's it called and where's it located?"

She tapped her chin with her finger. “Oh shoot, let me think.” Then she snapped her fingers. “Elaine's Bouquet, and it's off the beaten track on a side street. It's a quaint looking little cottage that used to be a flower shop. When it closed, Elaine Belmont bought it and turned it into a boutique."

He pointed a finger in the air. “I remember the place. I believe I bought you flowers there once."

"That must have been a long time ago."

He ducked his head. “Yeah, I think while we were courting. So is she making money?"

Jennifer made a face. “Good grief, she only has to sell one item a week to make a killing.” She snapped her fingers. “Okay, back to the story about the Gucci purse."

"Today, I saw Tulip Withers carrying a black handbag, identical to the one Tiffany described. She told me her dad got it for her birthday."

Her mouth dropped open. “Elaine never carries two of the same style. Did Tiffany say her mother bought it in town?"

"I didn't ask. At the time I wasn't interested in where she purchased it. But I now have the distinct impression she got it in Medford."

She frowned. “I don't think Hank Withers ever goes out of the area. He never leaves the meat store."

"He might have access to the internet."

"That's possible. I think you need to find out more about the purse."

"I intend to do just that."

Saturday morning, Hawkman called Delia from the house to find out if she and Tiffany would be home during the afternoon. When she assured him they'd be there, he made an appointment to speak with Tiffany after lunch.

"Is Paul still around?"

"Yes, hold on a minute."

"Hello, Mr. Casey."

"Have you had an opportunity to speak with your daughter about Hank Withers?"

"Let me take this in the other room."

A few moments passed before Paul picked up and Hawkman heard a distinct click of the other phone hanging up."

"Sorry, I didn't get back to you, but didn't have the opportunity. I talked with Tiffany and found out Mr. Withers made three or four unexpected evening visits to the house. He brought special cuts of meat as gifts with the excuse that he figured the ladies needed someone to prepare it for them. Tiffany told me he said things like, ‘since your no good daddy up and left you'. And he made other negative remarks about me."

"Did he actually fix the beef or pork?"

"No, Carlotta always had a good excuse for him not to hang around."

"So he never spent an entire evening with them?"

"No. Tiffany said he only stayed a few minutes then left."